The results of a new report commissioned by Prevent Blindness America have revealed that vision problems and eye disorders in the United States are much more costly than originally thought. The report, “Cost of Vision Problems: The Economic Burden of Vision Loss and Eye Disorders in the United States”, shows that the nation is spending an astounding $139 billion on eye and vision related conditions a year, as Review of Optometry noted.

The new study features revised methodology from a similar report conducted by Prevent Blindness America in 2007, and offers a comprehensive look at the economics of vision issues. It also covers data from an age spectrum, which for the first time ever, includes children.

According to the report, children ages 0 to 17 accounted for the least amount of money spent on vision issues, at $5.73 billion. Adults age 65 and over were the most costly group, totaling for $77.28 billion. Those ranging from 18 to 39 years of age accounted for $22.16 billion spent on vision issues, slightly more than the cost estimates for the same demographic in 2012. Adults from age 40 to 64 accounted for $39 billion spent on vision issues.

The …

If you used Child Eye Health & Safety Month as an opportunity to encourage patients with children to schedule eye exams for their kids, it’s likely that you’ll be seeing these patients within the next few months. It’s a good time, therefore, to think about how you can make these exams as kid-friendly as possible.

Visiting the eye doctor, especially for the first time, can be an overwhelming experience for kids, and it might make them a little nervous.  Below are a few tips from Optometry Today and the Association of Optometrists (AOP) which can help to make it easier for them and for you when conducting the exam.

– Exams should be scheduled when the child is most alert. Morning appointments are usually better for younger children, while afternoons are better for older kids as “binocular vision issues are more likely to be apparent.” – Make sure you see children promptly. The longer they have to wait the more restless and nervous they may become. – Always have a parent or guardian present while the exam takes place. In addition to keeping them calm, they can help explain the process in a way that their child will …

We’ve all heard the phrase, “First impressions are everything.” It applies in nearly every situation, from conversations with those we just met to searching for a house to buy. And yes, it even applies to your optometry or ophthalmology office.

Jay Binkowitz, president of GPN, recently shared with Dispensary Viewpoint that “the appearance of your office sends messages to patients that either increase or decrease their trust in your practice.” Do you currently have an idea of what message your patients are receiving when they come into your office? If not, Binkowitz suggests practitioners ask themselves the following questions:

– Are you comfortable with patients seeing the lab or back office?

– Do you use cheap trinkets to accent frames and other merchandise that cost considerably more? Or, do you use items that help tell the story and value of the product and brand?

– Are there boxes behind the desk employees must step over in order to reach their stations? Are there stacks of paper throughout the office?

To really evaluate whether your office is sending patients the right message, Binkowitz suggests having all staff members exit the building and re-enter pretending to be a first-time patient. …

As the summer season comes to a close, many of us rotate our wardrobes to prepare for fall and winter. Sunglasses, however, are a year-round necessity that should never come and go with the seasons. Many don’t realize that the risk of UV exposure remains steady all year long. As we’ve previously shared, overexposure to sunlight could lead to the development of a number of issues that can damage the eyes and the skin around them, ranging from different types of skin cancer on the eyelids to cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis. But far too often, patients look at sunglasses as an accessory rather than a necessity. Too often, they do not wear them year-round, and they do not purchase sunglasses that provide the proper protection.

Follow the lead of Myrtle Beach, S.C., ophthalmologist Gail Royal. Here’s what Royal tells her patients to look for when purchasing a proper pair of sunglasses that will guard their eyes from the sun’s UV rays.

– Complete UVA and UVB protection: Sunglasses should have lenses that block out 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays; lenses that meet the ANSI Z80.3 blocking requirements (standards set by …

Results published in Eye showed for the first time that Optos non-contact ultra-widefield (UWF) imaging can obtain high-quality images in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). In fact, Optos UWF imaging was faster, elicited better pediatric patient cooperation, negated the need for anesthesia, captured a larger coverage area, and achieved better image clarity compared to conventional contact-based imaging. These results also suggest the potential utility of Optos UWF imaging in the development of telemedicine programs for managing discharge from hospital screening programs, evaluating disease severity, and informing treatment decisions.

Patel CK, Fung THM, Muqit MMK, Mordant DJ, Brett J, Smith L, Adams, E. Non-contact ultra-widefield imaging of retinopathy of prematurity using the Optos dual wavelength scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Eye. 2013: 1-8.

We are excited to announce the latest milestone in the history of Optos – 40 million optomap exams and counting! That’s over 80 million eyes around the world that have been examined since our innovative optomap ultra-widefield imaging technology was introduced in 2000.

The optomap exam offers patients a fast and painless exam that gives you a clear picture of what’s going on beyond the surface of their eyes. In addition to determining eye health, optomap ultra-widefield retinal imaging has provided practitioners around the world with the capability to identify various eye conditions and diseases, as well as indications of systemic diseases by providing an ultra-wide 82% view of the retina.

In many cases, systemic conditions and diseases were detected early enough that the patient’s vision wasn’t severely affected. And in one case, the optomap was not only credited for saving the patient’s vision, but also her life and the life of her baby.

Optos Case Study: Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

Optos Case Study: Ciliary Body Choroidal Melanoma

Optos Case Study: Preeclampsia-Eclampsia Hypertensive Retinopathy

In addition to providing you with the ability to detect conditions and diseases in the retina sooner, our optomap technology offers unique features …

Think of a business that you advocate. Perhaps it’s a favorite clothing company, coffee shop, or even the gym you are a member of. Chances are each one has a mission statement that, as Entrepreneur Magazine puts it, “captures, in a few sentences, the essence of [the] business’s goals and the philosophies underlying them.” More simply stated, a mission statement tells you what the company is all about. Should your optometry or ophthalmology practice be any different?

Ed Lui, OD, of Foothill Optometric Group in California, recently shared in “Optometric Minute” that mission statements are “an essential tool for a successful practice to continue to grow.” Based on his personal experience of creating a mission statement for his practice, Dr. Lui says that once a mission statement is in place, it will help “solidify the thought process for decision making” encouraging all employees to “think collectively” about what the practice stands for in relation to its service.

To develop a strong mission statement, Dr. Lui suggests staff members work together to identify key attributes of the practice. In Dr. Lui’s case, the attributes were technology, service, and style. These defining characteristics were then used to compose the …

When it comes to making your practice one that new and loyal patients alike trust for their vision care, you obviously want to make investments in technology and equipment that will offer them the best quality of care possible. An article recently published by Optometry Today suggests it is wise for practitioners to also invest in “high quality patient information.”

The article cites a report commissioned by the Patient Information Forum (PiF), which reviewed more than 300 studies to identify the pros and cons of not providing top-notch consumer health information. According to the article, research “suggested that there are ‘good business reasons to justify the investment of more time, money and training in health information provision and support.’” Ultimately, offering patients this information creates a more positive experience.

RNIB eye health campaigns manager Clara Eaglen shared with Optometry Today that this is especially important for those who are visually impaired or blind, as these patients are often not provided with information in “accessible formats.”

Optos believes in empowering patients to take an active role in their health and wellness, and that’s why we offer a variety of resources and materials, including brochures, displays, and laminated information …

For many patients, the eyes are treated a lot like the rest of the body – until there is an obvious sign or symptom that something is not right, routine exams are often avoided. What some patients don’t realize is that a variety of factors can adversely affect eyesight, and if they aren’t caught soon enough it can lead to blindness or vision loss that could have been prevented.

Since August is National Eye Exam Month, it’s a great time to give patients a nudge and encourage them to schedule an appointment for an exam. Use this time to remind them that, as AARP writer Jeff Yeager says, “Investing in your health – particularly in preventative and early detection measures – is one of the smartest investments you can make.” Explain to patients some examples of common issues that eye exams can uncover and detect, such as the following:

– Nearsightedness or farsightedness – The need for a new prescription for glasses or contacts – Signs and symptoms of glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases – Systemic conditions and diseases ranging from hypertension and sickle cell anemia to multiple sclerosis

One good way to entice patients …

Optos is pleased to announce that its founder, Douglas C. Anderson has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK).  The national Academy brings together the most successful and talented engineers from across the engineering sectors for a shared purpose: to advance and promote excellence in engineering.

The national Academy has a global outlook and uses international partnerships to ensure that the UK works with international engineering networks, expertise and investment. They take a lead on engineering education and invest in the UK’s world class research base to underpin innovation.

CEO, Roy Davis commented, “We’re immensely pleased for Douglas at his election to this distinguished group of the UK’s most eminent engineers.  His involvement with the development of ultra-widefield retinal imaging has enabled ophthalmic professionals around the world to see more, diagnose more and treat more diseases earlier thus saving sight and lives.  It is the technology at the core of Optos’ vision to be recognised as The Retina Company and one that is unmatched in the industry”.

As a Fellow, Douglas will be working to support the Academy’s strategic objectives, each of which provides a key contribution to a strong …